Invent the Future

Invent the Future is Canada’s first and only summer enrichment program focused on bringing Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise, community, and mentorship to trans and cisgender women, non-binary and Two Spirit students in Grade 9 - 12.  During this AI Scholars Program, participants from across Canada will explore the world of AI through team projects, and connect with mentors and industry experts in a supportive yet challenging environment.

The program started as a partnership with AI4ALL a non-profit working to increase diversity and inclusion in the field of AI. Simon Fraser University was one of six universities participating in AI4ALL’s official rollout in 2018 and was the only participating university in Canada. Stanford University; Princeton University; University of California, Berkeley; Carnegie Mellon University; and Boston University are some of the 15 American schools who partnered with AI4ALL. As of 2023, Invent the Future is an independent program run by the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Simon Fraser University.


Program Date: July 10th to July 28th, 2023

Please note, accepted students will complete a pre-program Python workshop from July 4th to 7th. The learning materials will be delivered online synchronously and asynchronously.

Program Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm PST, with after hours office hours and social events (details TBD)

Delivery: Online with remote support

“AI is about to make the biggest changes to humanity, and we’re missing a whole generation of diverse technologists and leaders.”

- Fei-fei Li, Co-founder of AI4ALL

"Being in the program exposed me to so many possibilities within the field of AI and computer science and allowed me to realize my own potential. I really enjoyed meeting some of the inspirational women in computer science and connecting with like-minded people my age! My interests in the advancing world of technology have since grown exponentially, and I have also been opened up to new opportunities, thanks to the program."

-Taylor W., Invent the Future Alumna

Photos: Simon Fraser University 2018

Program Sponsor: